Reed Smith LLP
Broadgate Tower,
20 Primrose Street,
London,
EC2A 2RS
Website www.reedsmith.com
Firm profile
We are dynamic international law firm dedicated to helping clients move their businesses forward. With an inclusive culture and innovative mindset, we deliver smarter, more creative legal services that drive better outcomes for our clients.
Main areas of work
Our practice groups include: commercial disputes, energy and natural resources, entertainment and media, finance, real estate and transportation. Our lawyers work with some of the most innovative organisations in the world — from multi-billion dollar Silicon Valley giants to national banks. We have even represented some of the biggest pop stars on the planet.
Training opportunities
Ambitious and entrepreneurial graduates are rewarded at Reed Smith with a training programme that is supportive, challenging and exciting, offering unparalleled client and international secondments. Our unique culture, which allows trainees to turn passions into careers, is one of the reasons our lawyers remain with us for such a long time, moving seats, jobs roles and even countries, but sticking with the firm.
During our Professional SQE Programme, our Future Trainees study for the SQE examinations and work part time at Reed Smith during placement periods. This concurrent studying and working allows them to complete an applied Masters-level Professional Project related to the work they are doing, and have the opportunity to gain a solid foundation in business skills and the elements of an innovative and “O Shaped” lawyer.
We recruit our future Trainees through our Vacation Schemes only. During this round of recruitment, we will be looking for candidates that wish to start their Training Contract (Qualifying Work Experience) in 2026 or 2027.
Vacation placements
Our Spring and Summer vacation schemes offer students the opportunity to gain an insight into life at Reed Smith, as well as providing a solid account of the type of work encountered as a trainee. Applications will close on 6th January 2025 at 5pm.
On a scheme, students will experience one or two practice areas of their choice. Alongside their seats, students will also have the opportunity to attend various sessions to improve their legal and business skills. These include a pro bono exercise and a variety of workshops, covering topics such as cultural intelligence, presentation skills, and business development. These sessions, alongside feedback from the seats and a final interview, allow the Graduate Recruitment Team to assess suitability for becoming a Reed Smith Trainee. Additionally, throughout the vacation scheme, the attendees will get to experience the real culture of our firm through informal, relaxed socials alongside our trainees.
Other benefits
In addition to a competitive salary (£50,000 moving to £55,000 in year 2), our trainee solicitor benefits package includes: 25 days’ annual holiday, cycle to work scheme, subsidised cafeteria, discounted gym membership, permanent health insurance, dental insurance, season ticket loan and much more.
Open days and first-year opportunities
Our Open Days will be great opportunities to get to know the firm. This year we will be hosting in person open days in our London and Leeds offices as well as a virtual Open Day. Dates and deadlines can be found at: https://reedsmith.app.candidats.io/roles
The First-Year Scheme will take place in summer2025, and will involve a three-day programme of workshops, shadowing and networking at our London offices. Applications are open until 10th February 2025.
University law careers fairs 2024/2025
Diversity, inclusion and wellbeing
At Reed Smith, we are passionate about diversity, equity and inclusion. We value our people regardless of their race, gender, sexual identity, religion, background, age, or where they were born. Everyone matters here. Through inclusion, we encourage stronger performance, collaboration, teamwork and innovation in all we do.
As leaders in driving the progress of diversity and inclusion, we have a unique approach: unlike traditional diversity programs, ours is focused on inclusion. We want everyone to be included, at every level. Our inclusion culture also makes commercial sense. By focusing on how all our diverse individuals can feel included, we increase their engagement, opportunities, and involvement. We boost their chances of promotion and compensation. And this supports our recruitment of the best people – from all kinds of backgrounds and will all kinds of experience – who bring us the best results.
Our internal networks:
Multicultural Network (MCN) – promotes cultural diversity within the firm, with a focus on attracting, recruiting, and promoting individuals from multicultural and ethnic minority backgrounds.
LEADRS (Looking for Excellence and Advancement of Persons with Disabilities at Reed Smith) – supports and enhances the professional and personal development of those with all types of disabilities, both mental and physical. It helps us show that jobs for people with disabilities are both available and achievable at the top of the legal profession.
PRISM (Pride, Respect and Inclusion Simply Matter) – champions inclusion for LGBT+ individuals, and acts as a forum for socialising, mentoring and networking in our firm and the wider LGBT+ community.
WINRS (Women’s network) – a growing global community dedicated to enhancing our workplace to more effectively develop, reward, engage, and attract women in the legal profession.
This Firm's Rankings in
UK Guide, 2024
Ranked Departments
-
London (Firms)
- Banking & Finance: Fund Finance (Band 1)
- Banking & Finance: Lenders: Mid-Market (Band 3)
- Commercial and Corporate Litigation (Band 4)
- Construction: Non-contentious (Band 5)
- Corporate/M&A: £100-800 million (Band 4)
- Employment: Employer (Band 3)
- Information Technology & Outsourcing (Band 4)
- Intellectual Property (Band 4)
- Pensions (Band 5)
- Real Estate: £150 million and above (Band 5)
-
UK-wide
- Asset Finance: Aviation Finance (Band 3)
- Asset Finance: Shipping Finance (Band 2)
- Banking Litigation (Band 4)
- Capital Markets: Securitisation (Band 4)
- Commodities: Derivatives & Energy Trading (Band 1)
- Commodities: Physicals (Band 1)
- Commodities: Trade Finance (Band 2)
- Data Protection & Information Law (Band 3)
- Financial Services: Non-contentious Regulatory (Band 4)
- Insurance: Mainly Policyholders (Band 1)
- International Arbitration: Commercial Arbitration (Band 5)
- International Arbitration: Investor-State Arbitration (Band 3)
- Media & Entertainment: Film & Television (Band 3)
- Media & Entertainment: Games, Interactive Entertainment & Social Media (Band 2)
- Media & Entertainment: Music (Band 3)
- Real Estate Finance (Band 6)
- Shipping (Band 1)